Ted Wood

The Board meeting included discussions on professional services agreements with Integrated Communications Strategies, LLC and CONCERN: Employee Assistance Program. Key agenda items involved adopting resolutions for the November General District Election, disclosure of material expenditures for insurance services, amendments to the midyear budget, and determinations for the reconstruction of fire stations under Measure O. Additionally, the board reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan, the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and addressed Measure O Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee appointments. Reports were provided regarding fire operations, emergency medical services, and administrative updates.

This Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan outlines the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District's strategic direction for capital needs and goals from fiscal years 2026/27 through 2030/31. The plan details the acquisition, financing, and scheduling of major capital projects, including apparatus and equipment acquisition/replacement, facilities enhancement/repair/replacement, facilities remodel/expansion, land acquisitions, new construction, and personal protective equipment. The primary objective is to efficiently and transparently develop and support the District's physical infrastructure, ensuring timely acquisition and replacement of necessary assets to maintain and enhance service delivery, consistent with master plans and Board of Directors' goals.

The agenda for the meeting includes the review of a quarterly investment report for the third quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year. Presentation items cover a bimonthly fiscal report through February 2026, the preliminary Capital Improvement Program plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year, and the presentation of the 2026-27 fiscal year preliminary budget.

The Finance and Audit Committee meeting agenda includes review of the Quarterly Investment Report for March 2026, the Bimonthly Fiscal Report for the period ending February 2026, the Preliminary Capital Improvement Program Plan for Fiscal Year 2026/27, and the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27.

The committee reviewed the quarterly program update from Nationwide Retirement Solutions, noting asset growth and discussing updated contribution limits and SECURE ACT 2.0 provisions. A performance report from the Fiduciary Consulting Group was presented, highlighting market conditions and investment fund statuses. The committee approved a change to the benchmark for the High Yield Bond section of the Investment Policies & Guidelines. Additionally, the Chair provided an update on the 401(a) contribution option for employees nearing retirement, confirming it is not a viable path for the organization. The committee also discussed upcoming financial wellness seminars and plans for a spring committee event.